The energy of each phase of the moon is different, and can be used for different intentions and purposes. Of course, your practice is personal to you and so is your relationship with the moon so this may be slightly different for you 🙂 In New Zealand, our moon faces the opposite way to the Northern Hemisphere in the waxing and waning phases. I can’t say exactly what way right now because my dyslexia has just turned up and confused me again lol… time for some caffeine I think!
New Moon
Tiniest Sliver Of Moon Appears
Starting things! New beginnings, relationships, endeavours, planning, finding and exploring new ideas.
Aroma: Camphor
Waxing Crescent
Moon is half full
The moon is growing so this phase is perfect for enhancing and improving things you already have with learning, communication, transformation, healing, financial growth and creativity. Associated with the maiden.
Aroma: Sandalwood
Full Moon
Some people use the day before and after as well
The moon’s power is at it’s most potent, so can be utilised for many different purposes. Great for manifesting, meditation, general spell work, harvesting your efforts, your intuition and psychic abilities are strong, and this is a great time for protection magick. Associated with the mother.
Aroma: Jasmine
Waning Crescent
The other half of the moon
As the full moon fades this is a great time for letting go, releasing, cutting ties, breaking habits, making space, dieting & quitting things, and releasing negative thinking and energies. Associated with the crone.
Aroma: Lemon
Dark Moon
When there’s no moon in sight
Not often referred to however this is a great time for cutting ties, letting go, and shadow work (going through the dark and painful parts of your psyche and dealing with them). This is a pause and a breathe time, where you can stop, absorb and process everything you’ve learnt and experienced in the previous lunar cycle. Associated with Hekate